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[Rick1]

I have been serving on active duty army for the past 16 years. I have deployed to Iraq twice and Afghanistan once. My last deployment to Afghanistan was the worst.
I have just decided to seek help, but have not yet.
I suffer from constant anxiety, lack of sleep, nightmares, and panic attacks. I feel like I'm am on an emotional roller coaster. When I was wounded by a vbied in Afghanistan, I was also diagnosed with a TBI.
A series of events over the past few years( starting with the deployment in Afghanistan), has led me to complete mental breakdown. I have been fighting this for years, but I am now at the point to where I can't handle it on my own anymore.
I hope this forum will connect me with people I can talk to that understand what I'm going through. In the meantime, I am seeking professional help, even if that means ending my career.

 

[Friday]

Welcome aboard.

There are a few members around who have sought treatment while active duty, know some of those ropes. I'm not one, so will cheerfully defer to them ;) As to the rest, being around people who get where my head is at? Inf*ckingvaluable.

 

[dutchiedelta]

Welcome Rick, make yourself at home.
Look around in the archives and if you cannot find what you're looking for just ask.

There are threads to vent, laugh and express emotions.
It's okay to be who you are here.

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Rick
You took your first big step when you realized that you needed help, and couldn't handle this on your own. Dealing with post traumatic stress has to be your number one priority. And, there are many things that will help you cope.

None of them are easy, but all are possible with time and effort. Keep in mind that this is not a one time thing. You'll have to work at it regularly.

There will be times when nothing will work. But, those times will pass, and you'll have another chance at all the things that still make life worth while.

The VA is a good place to start. Get signed up as soon as you can. However, most VA facilities are slow and over crowed. Try one of the Vet Centers. There all over, and there's probably one close to you.

Keep posting often, and read through existing posts.

Welcome Brother.

SD

 

[CyclePath]

Welcome! I'm still active, so I understand your reservation in going to Mental Health. I dealt with it alone for years; all the same things you listed above - well I guess I did confide with my Brothers. The problem with that was I thought what I/we were feeling was normal because a lot of us felt the same/dealt with these issues privately.
Anyway, the Mental Health folks can and will help you. In fact, they are an embedded part of my command...for a reason. You've made a big step in asking for help and at my command it does not mean an end to a career - unless your totally batshit crazy. I've seen my share of folks discharged for PTSD, but they were discharged for being late, anger issues, and everything else without seeking help until it was already a big problem. I started seeing them earlier this year and I wish I would have started years ago when I knew I had some challenges, but didn't. Hopefully mental health is treated with the same respect where you are as it is where I'm at.

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Welcome Rick
Good thing is your higher up the food chain so you'll get more understanding while you go about it..
I would assume at least. I know for a fact when I was in all the guys diagnosed with PTSD were on the fast track
out of Carson in 2009. They didn't want to deal with it. Probably changed now. Good luck.

 

[Rick1]

Thanks everyone. It feels good to see all of the support. I look forward to talking with you all.

 

[vikingr24]

I think you will find that TBI to be the first thing to try to wrap your hands around. Probably got tinnitus. Welcome to the club. Learn to ignore it or you WILL drop your drawers. It's a constant thing with me.

Your memory will return if you work on it. But don't be hard on yourself. You are still active so you have to deal with peer pressure. I am sure you know the word "pussy" and I don't mean the female anatomy. Move forward, one step at a time. Stay focused. Learn to drop the bullshit and focus on the good shit. Charlie Mike.

Be positive. Do not lose your family. You will need them and your friends. Watch your anger. Apologize when you lose it and I am sure you already have. Apologize. And mean it when you do.

Get some sleep. The docs can help with that and we can also share what has helped us. Believe me, we have seen a lot of that stuff.

Drop a knee. We are here for you. Share what you learn.

 

[CyclePath]

Get some sleep. The docs can help with that and we can also share what has helped us. Believe me, we have seen a lot of that stuff.

Hands down the biggest thing that the Doc's have done for me is SLEEP. I am so much better at dealing with this now that I can sleep. It's the best thing ever.

 

[Iceman]

Rick,

a very effective way to balance yourself when the anxiety starts to build up, and you start to feel like you either want to dig in, or go on the assault is called 4X4X4.

breath in Deep, from the belly, Slowly for 4 seconds.
Hold it for 4 seconds
let it out slowly for 4 seconds
wait 4 seconds

repeat the above 4 times.

it works, trust me

 

[Rick1]

The breathing techniques definitely help, as long as the anxiety doesn't escalate too far.
As for sleep, I don't sleep well. I am getting that checked out. My wife has told me several times that I yell in my sleep and walk around the room. Sometimes I do this 3-4 times a night. I never remember any of it but I always wake up exhausted.

 

[atilla]

I have been serving on active duty army for the past 16 years. I have deployed to Iraq twice and Afghanistan once. My last deployment to Afghanistan was the worst.
I have just decided to seek help, but have not yet.
I suffer from constant anxiety, lack of sleep, nightmares, and panic attacks. I feel like I'm am on an emotional roller coaster. When I was wounded by a vbied in Afghanistan, I was also diagnosed with a TBI.
A series of events over the past few years( starting with the deployment in Afghanistan), has led me to complete mental breakdown. I have been fighting this for years, but I am now at the point to where I can't handle it on my own anymore.
I hope this forum will connect me with people I can talk to that understand what I'm going through. In the meantime, I am seeking professional help, even if that means ending my career.

First of all , welcome Brother, and welcome home. You've come to the right place...my family here. Read the posts of those here who have gone or are going through what you are. Lots of experience here in dealing with the "Beast" that is PTS...welcome...grab a paddle Bro.:)